Companies should implement a policy to employ diverse workforce as it enhances their chances to perform more, said Nikita Raut, Deputy General Manager, Bank of Baroda on Saturday while speaking on the topic ‘Vision Beyond Sight’ at the CIMCON’26 event underway at IIM, Nagpur. Raut who is blind by birth is an inspiring leader, author, and DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging) advocate, said that research has shown that companies with diverse workforce are 25 to 36 per cent more likely to outperform.

 

The more women and ethical diversity results in stronger financial results. Diverse teams deliver 60 per cent better decisions and generate 19 per cent higher innovation revenue to organisations. Due to lack of awareness most companies believe that diverse workforce would result in lower productivity. This mindset needs to be changes, because inclusive companies are two times more likely to meet targets.

 

It also strengthens the brands trust among the consumers. Most family run business operate with unconcious biases and don’t have hiring policy. The challenge is the same for women, people with disabilities and transgenders. There is belief that hiring persons with disability is costly and they can perform only limited tasks. But, in reality technology has made working possible for persons with disabilies with low investment. In fact, they can be very productive resources for the organisation, she added. Raut felt that workplaces need to transform and nuture DEIB culture in organisations rather than make flase perceptions. Raut has been born visually challenged and has over 15 years of experience in Human Resources and is widely recognised for empowering individuals and transforming organisations through inclusive leadership. Nilesh Verma, Vidarbha Management Association (VMA) moderated the session.